Brentwood 15 - 15 Bury St Edmunds
Saturday 6th February 2010

Back in September Brentwood lost the away fixture 16 - 13 through a penalty at the end of nine minutes extra time. This was a game the club should have won having been in control for much of the match.

After last weeks thrilling win against Rochford, Director of Rugby Steve Killington made only one team change, centre Shaun Turner replacing Richard Wyatt.

On a right sunny and windless afternoon Bury kicked off downhill. Brentwood immediately seized the initiative taking play into the Bury Twenty -Two. Winger James Cowen was twice in action as the home side looked for an early score. Following a penalty the pack drove from the ensuing line-out and prop Aston Bevans-Royston unluckily knocked on when over the line.

The first quarter saw the Brentwood pack playing with great gusto against heavier opponents. Flanker James Metcalfe playing with great fire was yellow carded for stamping and the penalty was converted by Bury. Into the second quarter with Metcalfe back on the home side counter-attacked and won a penalty. The forwards drove from the line-out and this time second-row Josh Woodcock went over for the try. Cowen converted to give Brentwood a deserved 7 - 3 lead. However Bury were soon back on the scorecard when their large mobile number eight ran through the home sides defence before off-loading for the try, which was converted. Bury held their 10 - 7 lead to half-time. The first half saw a determined performance from the whole of Brentwoods team. Playing up the slope against a low setting sun they had held their opponents to only a three point lead, a notable effort.

The second half saw Brentwood awarded an early penalty for off-side. Cowen , his kicking boots on this week, converted to level the scores. With Bury's number seven sin-binned for punching, the visitors upped their game but the home sides' defence was totally resolute. As the third quarter ended an attack featuring Tom King and Steve Bowyer almost produced a try. Brentwood maintained the pressure and following smart work from Rob Mead and Shaun Turner, skipper King crashed over in the right corner. Cowen missed a difficult conversion but Brentwood were now ahead 15 - 10. With Bury's player back on, play became intensive as both sides strived for the winning score.

Jed Roman, who is currently in fine form, was yellow carded for killing the ball. With a wekend Brentwood pack, a penalty for crossing in the backs, was used for a line-out maul and the second Bury try resulted. The conversion was missed but the score was now level at 15 - 15.

As Richard Wyatt replaced Shaun Turner, Brentwood won a penalty in front of the posts. Having kicked immaculately all game Cowen missed the simple kick. Urged on by their supporters Brentwood, with Roman back on , tried their hardest to win the game. However against a determined opposition the home side were unable to pierce the Bury defence. The game ended with Cowen just missing a difficult penalty.

The draw was probably the right result given the balance of play. Brentwood with slope and sun advantage in the second half did not have the tools to break down Bury's defence. However their general play shows much improvement since the start of the year and their determination cannot be faulted.

Team:- Northall, Bowyer, Bevans-Royston (A), King (C), Woodcock, Metcalfe, Beith, Roman, Cook, Stannard, Cowen, Turner, Thomas, Mead, Solomans.

This week Brentwood play Stevenage at home (K.O 2:30pm). Brentwood remain in eleventh place with eleven points. Stevenage are ninth with twelve points.